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Fluvoxamine

Brand names: Luvox (brand discontinued)

Fluvoxamine is an SSRI mainly used for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Brand namesLuvox (brand discontinued)
Type of medicineSSRI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It interacts with many medicines because it blocks the liver enzymes that clear them.

What it's used for

  • OCD in children 8 and older and adults
  • Off-label: depression and anxiety

How to take it

  • Take it at bedtime (or twice a day at higher doses).
  • Don't stop suddenly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Sexual side effects
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call your provider todayUnusual bleeding or bruising

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take with tizanidine, thioridazine, alosetron, pimozide, or ramelteon, or within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • It greatly raises caffeine, clozapine, olanzapine, theophylline, and some other levels.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.